The Pura Belpré Awards “honor Latinx writers and illustrators whose children’s and young adult books best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.” Here are the 2026 winners and honor books.

PURA BELPRÉ CHILDREN’S AWARD

WINNER

The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

HONOR BOOKS

A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya

The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro

A Sea of Lemon Trees by María Dolores Águila

PURA BELPRÉ YOUNG ADULT AUTHOR AWARD

WINNER

On the Wings of la Noche by Vanessa L. Torres

HONOR BOOKS

Rosa by Any Other Name by Hailey Alcaraz

Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide by Pablo Leon

The Story of My Anger by Jasmine Mendez

PURA BELPRÉ YOUTH ILLUSTRATOR AWARD

WINNER

Popo the Xolo illustrated by Abraham Matias, written by Paloma Angelina Lopez

HONOR BOOKS

A-Ztec: A Bilingual Alphabet Book, illustrated and written by Emmanuel Valtierra

The Invisible Parade, illustrated by John Picacio, written by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio